The Rites of Spring

The Post and Courier

Ah, spring. A season fleeting and sweet, particularly in the Lowcountry, where summer is an endurance event, fall begins around Thanksgiving and raking/pollen season is strangely combined each March. Springlike weather reaches us early, but something in our collective, oyster-centric psyche rebels against the thought an 'R' month could qualify as 'spring.'

So what does that leave us? The rapidly disappearing period between May 1 and Memorial Day, observed this year May 26. That makes today just about the height of high spring, and time to soak up as much of this rapidly disappearing season as schedules and responsibility allow.

Go fish

May is one of the Lowcountry's finest months for anglers, particularly those of us who prefer inshore and surf fishing. Many of our most popular species, including red drum, spotted sea trout and flounder, are in the creeks right now, which means you can catch significant fish with just basic tackle if you pick the right spot. Don't know a good creek? Head to the beach and surfcast. Rising water temperatures will soon drive these fish offshore. Just be sure you know this year's rules: www.dnr.sc.gov/fish.html .

Outdoor dining

True, we'll still be grilling in the backyard next month, but there's something memorable about a spring picnic, or an evening under a canvas umbrella outside a Lowcountry cafe. Lowcountry culture celebrates the outdoors, socializing and great food and beverage. A table on the patio in May is a fantastic way to combine them all.

So meet your friends out. Take the family on a picnic. Or simply move your breakfast coffee out onto the porch and break up the routine.

Play ball!

Baseball returned to the Lowcountry in earnest last month, but May ball is often some of the best we see. It's crunch time for conference seeding this weekend, followed by the Southern Conference Tournament at The Joe beginning Tuesday and concluding with the championship game May 25. In the minor leagues, the RiverDogs are recording another memorable season with a roster that boasts half a dozen major-league prospects. They're at home for the next four nights.

Party time

Why are there so many events, potlucks, festivals and parties this time of year? Do the math: We won't have a cooler month until October, and this is the last month with an average temperature below 70 degrees (63.5 degrees) until September (67.7). But with our Goldilocks Zone so short-lived, the Lowcountry likes to pack in as much socializing as possible. Then there's Spoleto, a local sign that summer has arrived. The festival begins May 23, sending Charleston into a frenzy of socializing.

Eat fresh, eat local

Those of us who prefer to eat locally grown produce often turn to roadside stands and farmers markets. There are markets Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Marion Square); Tuesdays in Mount Pleasant 3 p.m. until dark (one block up from old Moultrie Middle School, behind GDC on Coleman Boulevard); Wednesdays in North Charleston 3-7 p.m. (behind Chicora Elementary School on Success Street); and Thursdays in North Charleston at Westvaco Park (Remount and North Rhett) 8 a.m.-3 p.m.